“Nation will neither forget nor forgive May 9 violence,” says CM Maryam

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on the first anniversary of May 9 riots.

She said that PTI's actions exceeded even what enemies could not do in their thirst for power.

Maryam Nawaz called for holding accountable those who conspired against Pakistan, asserting that "the nation will neither forget nor forgive the events of May 9."

Without explicitly mentioning her archrivals, she referred to them as individuals who "disregarded the nation's honour and sanctity", stressing the need to bring to justice those who conspired against Pakistan.

CM Punjab maintained that the conspiracy and those seeking to weaken national institutions have been exposed. 

She said that those who prioritse politics over the dignity of the country and its people do not deserve forgiveness, and those consumed by flames of hatred are about to meet their end.

Punjab's first female CM further asserted that the nation has recognised the nefarious characters involved in the events of May 9 and is "determined to prevent such incidents in the future". 

"Those responsible for the events of May 9 will be consigned to the dustbin of history," she remarked in a statement. 

Following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023, by Rangers personnel at the Islamabad High Court, unrest and violent riots erupted nationwide, with PTI supporters protesting his arrest.

Rioters attacked military installations, staged demonstrations, and set fires in various locations across the country, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of individuals, currently facing military trials.